What are the best NPC housing setups for mid-game Terraria?

In mid-game Terraria, setting up efficient NPC housing is crucial for maximizing happiness, discounts, and access to unique items. The NPC happiness system, introduced in the 1.4 update, allows NPCs to provide better prices and sell unique items when they are happy. Happiness is influenced by the biome they live in, their neighbors, and the population density of the area. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to creating the best NPC housing setups for mid-game Terraria.

First, understand the mechanics of NPC happiness. Each NPC has preferred biomes and neighbors. For example, the Guide likes living in the Forest biome and prefers the Zoologist or Clothier as neighbors. Conversely, NPCs dislike certain biomes and neighbors. For instance, the Arms Dealer dislikes the Snow biome and prefers the Nurse as a neighbor. Happiness is also affected by overcrowding. If more than three NPCs live within 25 tiles of each other, their happiness decreases. To maximize happiness, place NPCs in their preferred biomes with liked neighbors and avoid overcrowding.

To start, identify the NPCs you have by mid-game. Common mid-game NPCs include the Merchant, Nurse, Arms Dealer, Demolitionist, Goblin Tinkerer, Mechanic, and Dryad. Each has specific preferences. For example, the Dryad prefers the Jungle biome and likes the Witch Doctor as a neighbor. The Goblin Tinkerer prefers the Underground biome and likes the Mechanic. Plan your housing accordingly.

Next, choose biomes for your NPCs. Create small towns in different biomes to house NPCs in their preferred environments. For example, build a Forest town for the Guide, Zoologist, and Clothier. Build an Underground town for the Goblin Tinkerer and Mechanic. Build a Jungle town for the Dryad and Witch Doctor. Ensure each town has at least three NPCs to avoid overcrowding penalties.

When building houses, ensure they meet the basic requirements. A valid house must have walls, a light source, a table, a chair, and a door or platform entrance. Use materials that match the biomeÔÇÖs aesthetic. For example, use wood and stone in the Forest biome, and use mud blocks and jungle wood in the Jungle biome. This not only looks good but also helps NPCs feel at home.

Avoid common mistakes like placing too many NPCs in one area. Overcrowding reduces happiness and increases prices. Also, avoid placing NPCs in biomes they dislike. For example, donÔÇÖt place the Arms Dealer in the Snow biome. Another mistake is neglecting to provide proper housing. Ensure each NPC has a valid house with all necessary furniture.

Advanced techniques include creating biome bubbles. Use blocks and walls to create artificial biomes near your main base. For example, place 200 Jungle grass blocks and Jungle walls to create a Jungle biome near your Forest town. This allows you to house Jungle-loving NPCs close to your main base without traveling far. Another technique is using pylons. NPCs sell biome-specific pylons when they are happy. Place pylons in each town to create a fast travel network.

Resource requirements include wood, stone, and biome-specific blocks. Gather these materials early to build houses quickly. Preparation involves exploring biomes to find NPCs and unlock their housing requirements. For example, defeat the Goblin Army to unlock the Goblin Tinkerer.

Class and equipment considerations are minimal for housing setup. However, having a good pickaxe and building tools like the Architect Gizmo Pack can speed up construction. Use platforms and ropes to access hard-to-reach areas when building in biomes like the Underground or Jungle.

Specific examples include setting up a Forest town with the Guide, Zoologist, and Clothier. Build three houses close but not too close, ensuring each has a light source, table, chair, and door. Place the Zoologist next to the Guide and the Clothier next to the Zoologist. This setup maximizes happiness and provides discounts on items.

In conclusion, mid-game NPC housing setups require careful planning and attention to biome preferences, neighbor likes, and overcrowding. By creating small towns in preferred biomes, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques like biome bubbles and pylons, you can maximize NPC happiness and enjoy the benefits of discounts and unique items. Gather resources early, use efficient building tools, and plan your towns strategically to create a thriving NPC community in Terraria.